Burnham pressed on economy at first PMQs as UK borrowing costs rise
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham faced his first Prime Minister's Questions, defending his government's fiscal responsibility amid rising national borrowing costs. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch challenged him on the lack of detail regarding spending cuts and the economic impact of the previous administration's policies.
Why it matters
The exchange highlights the economic pressure on the new UK government as it prepares for an upcoming budget while facing market volatility and high debt interest rates.
Share Save Add as preferred on Google Jennifer McKiernan Political reporter Reuters Andy Burnham said his government would be "grounded in fiscal responsibility" as his first Prime Minister's Questions took place against a backdrop of rising UK borrowing costs.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch called on Burnham to say where spending would be cut and how he would deal with the UK's increasing debt, after the cost of borrowing for the UK reached a new 18-year high on Wednesday.
He blamed the previous Tory government, saying the "turbulence on global markets are because of that exposure that they left behind".
Burnham took over from Sir Keir Starmer in July before Parliament's summer recess, meaning Wednesday was the first time he had faced Badenoch at PMQs.
Burnham sought to stress his administration's fiscal responsibility and said ministers were taking steps to reduce debt.
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